Stop Calling it Vanity: Why Caring for Your Appearance Honors God

Your Body Is a Temple - So Why Are We Letting It Go?

Hello again, Sweet Mamas!

I hope you’re all making positive strides towards connecting with the Lord and your Faith in these first few days of 2026- I know I am! Sticking to my Biblical resolutions has been so rewarding so far, and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes me as the year continues.

But speaking of New Year’s Resolutions…I wanted to talk a little bit more about that this week as we fully grab January by the horns. I was inspired to write this post after a Church friend reached out to me after reading last week’s post, and asked:

Is it vain to focus the new year on making physical changes to feel beautiful?

What a powerful and important question! I know so many are making resolutions to get healthier, thinner, or more confident about their appearance, especially us women.  This particular friend has been struggling with her weight and her confidence for a while now, so I want to support her in her journey…but I also want to consider her valuable question: is focusing on changing our appearance like this crossing into territory of dishonoring God’s intentional design for us?  Mamas bear a heavy load: keep an organized, clean home, focus on our kids, keep our husbands happy...and stay adhering to society’s standards of beauty on top of all that. Are we then becoming “of the world” if we cave into that pressure? 

Hoping it might help more Mamas out there, I felt compelled to share my thoughts with all of you as well as with my friend. 

So I’ll tell you all what I told her: absolutely not. 

There's no Glow-Up quite like the Glow of God!

As long as we keep Christ the center of our lives, it’s okay that we want to be beautiful! In fact…it might even be its own form of Honoring Christ, and an additional way we can curate our Holy Biblical Femininity to fulfill our Heavenly Design as Women.

Why Caring for Your Appearance Honors God:

Our bodies are our Holy earthly vessels and were crafted by a loving God. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 very specifically tells us that our bodies are temples, and therefore we should use our bodies to honor God. 

Mamas, think about your homes, your other temples here on Earth: don’t you take pride in making them look beautiful? Or even your churches! I recently organized our gorgeous Christmas decorations at our church this year, featuring some wonderful products from Hobby Lobby. Would you adorn these lovely temples with trash? Would you let dust collect in the corners and mold form in the walls? Would you let them fall into disrepair? Would you let the lawn grow unruly and weed-ridden and the windows crack and fall? Would you paint them a garish color? Would you let them become bloated and unsightly, blemished by the accumulation of filth? 

Of course you wouldn’t!

Take pride in your appearance the same way you take pride in the appearance of your home or your church. Spend that time perfecting that hair style. Take five extra minutes in front of the makeup mirror. Wear clothes that make you feel beautiful! If you want to lose those ten pounds to fit into those old jeans? You go, mama!

Healthy eating and exercise are important parts of honoring your bodily temple.

But not even on the outside, on the inside too. Eat nutritiously and exercise! Eat clean and natural, so that your body and soul will be clean too. God calls us to reject gluttony and excess, and that includes excess food. Take only what you need to nourish your body, nothing more. Pray to God during meals so He can help you step back from eating too much or eating too unhealthily*. He will guide you!!! God calls us to take care of ourselves. 

Concerning ourselves with our appearance is literally a commandment from God.

*A Prayer for Mindful Eating & Self-Control:

Lord, thank You for providing this food and for caring for my needs.

Thank You for the body You’ve given me and for the way You designed it with wisdom.

Help me eat with awareness and gratitude, not distraction or excess.

Teach me to recognize when I am truly hungry and when I am satisfied.

If I’m reaching for food because I’m tired, stressed, or overwhelmed,

draw me closer to You instead.

Fill the places in my heart that food was never meant to fill.

Grant me self-control through peace and trust in You.

Help me honor my body as Your temple and treat it with kindness and care.

I place this meal and this moment in Your hands.

Amen

Another commandment: to fulfill our holy duties as wives, we must please our husbands.

So not only is it okay to want to still be beautiful for your husband, it’s imperative for a Holy Marriage! 

It calls to mind Song of Songs, a wonderful book in the Bible about desire between a young couple. 

Uh oh!!! I know what you’re thinking!! Are we veering into TMI sex talks? Don’t worry Mamas, we won’t get into too much detail today…but ultimately I do want this to be a space where we can all feel safe and understood, and that includes feeling safe to talk about things like sex, especially because it’s so important to cultivating a Godly marriage!!! God designed love between a man and a woman in this specific way: He WANTS us to desire and be desired within the confines of a committed Christian marriage. The Bible further elaborates on this idea in 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, where it’s written that husbands and wives should not deprive each other of their bodies, because their bodies are no longer their own, but belong to each other.

My body belongs to my husband, and his desire for me is a Holy Covenant.

So are there days when I’d rather wear sweats and no makeup, hair up in a greasy messy bun? Of course! But while that may be convenient, I will not be the most desirable version of myself when my husband wants to love me and express that love to me. So, I do make myself up every day, even though I mostly spend my time at home with my husband and kids. Because I think my husband deserves a wife who cares about her appearance and understands how beautiful she is!

Yes, the Bible does belong in the Bedroom!

Mamas, taking care of our physical bodies and appearances is our God given right, honor, and privilege. If I want to spend my life ministering to others, I have to take care of the one body I have, outside and inside. Whatever is right for you mama, I’m here for you and to uplift you! Have an incredible new year – choose to make this year the year you finally blossom into your best, most beautiful, most Christ-honoring self!!!!

Need help getting started? I've included below some helpful resources to help jumpstart your Godly Glow-Up journey, including how you can make your own Faith-Based Weight Loss Food Journal and kickstart a Christian Workout Routine!

How to Create a Christian Food Journal

A Faith-Based Tool for Mindful Eating & Healthy Weight Stewardship

Step 1: Set the Intention (First Page)

On the very first page, write a dedication prayer. This defines why you’re journaling.

Example: “Lord, I dedicate this journal to You. Help me care for my body with wisdom, self-control, and gratitude. Amen.”

You may also add:

• A favorite verse (1 Corinthians 6:19–20 works beautifully)

• The date you’re beginning

• A short intention like: “I want to honor God with my body.”

  
  

Step 2: Choose Your Journal Style

Keep it simple and sustainable.

You can use:

• A lined notebook

• A planner

• A printable binder

• Notes app (if you prefer digital)

✨ Tip: The simpler it is, the more likely you’ll use it. We never want things to get too complicated!!!!!

Step 3: Create a Daily Food Log

For each meal or snack, write:

• Time

• What I ate

• How hungry I was before (1–5)

• How satisfied I felt after (1–5)

Step 4: Add a “Heart Check” Section

After meals (especially ones where you feel tempted to overeat), reflect gently:

• Was I physically hungry or emotionally hungry?

• How was I feeling before I ate? (tired, stressed, bored, peaceful)

• Did I invite God into this moment?

Step 5: Include a Gratitude Line

Each day, write one thing you’re grateful for related to your body or nourishment, such as:

• “I’m grateful I had the energy to care for my family today.”

• “I’m thankful for nourishing food that keeps me well.”

Gratitude shifts the focus from lack to abundance.

Step 6: Pair Each Day With Scripture

At the top or bottom of each page, write or reflect on a verse.

Examples:

• Self-control: Galatians 5:22–23

• Stewardship: 1 Corinthians 6:19–20

• Contentment: Philippians 4:11–13

• Discipline: Proverbs 25:28

You don’t need a new verse every day—repetition builds truth into the heart.

Step 7: End the Day With Reflection, Not Judgment

Each evening, answer one or two of these:

• Where did I honor God today?

• What felt nourishing?

• Where can I ask for God’s help tomorrow?

Important Reminder for Mamas:

This Christian food journal is about discipline with compassion, self-control with prayer, and honoring God with the body He entrusted to you.

The “Temple Care” Workout

A Christ-Centered Routine for Strength, Energy, and Discipline

(20–30 minutes · 3–5x per week · at home)

1. Opening Prayer (1 minute)

Before you move, pause.

“Lord, thank You for this body You gave me. Help me move with gratitude, discipline, and joy. Let this time strengthen me so I can better serve You and my family. Amen.”

2. Warm-Up: Awakening the Temple (5 minutes)

Move gently and intentionally.

• March in place – 1 minute

• Arm circles + shoulder rolls – 1 minute

• Hip circles – 1 minute

• Gentle torso twists – 1 minute

• Deep breathing with arms raised – 1 minute

3. Strength & Stewardship Circuit (15–20 minutes)

Do each exercise slowly and with purpose. Repeat the circuit 2–3 times, resting as needed.

1. Squats – 12 reps

Strength for daily service: "Lord, strengthen me for the work You’ve given me.”

2. Incline or Knee Push-Ups – 8–12 reps

Upper-body strength: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”(Philippians 4:13)

3. Glute Bridges – 15 reps

Support for posture and stability: “Help me stand firmly in Your truth.”

4. Bent-Over Rows (dumbbells or bands) – 12 reps

Strengthen the back—carry burdens with grace: “My yoke is easy and My

burden is light.” (Matthew 11:30)

5. Plank – 20–40 seconds

Core strength and endurance: "Lord, help me remain rooted in You.”

3. Cardio With Gratitude (5–10 minutes)

Use this time to thank God—for your health, your breath, your family. Choose one:

• Brisk walking

• Dancing to worship music

• Marching or step-ups at home

4. Cool Down & Prayerful Stretch (5 minutes)

Stretch slowly:

• Hamstrings

• Hips

• Chest and shoulders

• Neck

End with hands over your heart.

“Lord, thank You for allowing me to move today. Help me care for this body with wisdom and love. May my discipline glorify You. Amen.”

Weekly Faith Focus (Optional)

Pair each workout day with a verse or intention:

• Monday: Discipline (1 Corinthians 9:24–27)

• Wednesday: Stewardship (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)

• Friday: Gratitude (Psalm 103:1)

Gentle Reminder for Mamas:

Caring for your body is not vanity — it’s faithful stewardship.

Share your prayers and blessings - and your New Year's Goals!- with the Home Sweet Holleigh community! Comment below or engage on social media! Find me on Instagram and TikTok at @homesweetholleigh

Check out these adorable mirrors from Hobby Lobby that can help you track your Godly Glow Up Journey!

Baroque Wood Mantel Mirror

Whitewash Beaded Rectangle Wood Wall Mirror

Gold Ornate Wall Mirror

Beaded Wood Wall Mirror

remember to always find meaning in the little things